Baylisascaris infection epidemiology and demographics

Baylisascaris infections are rarely diagnosed. Fewer than 25 cases have been diagnosed and reported in the United States as of 2003. However, it is believed that cases are mistakenly diagnosed as other infections or go undiagnosed.

Human cases have been reported in Oregon, California, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. Of the reported 25 cases in the US since 2003, five of the infected persons died.

Raccoons infected with Baylisascaris procyonis appear to be common in the Middle Atlantic, Midwest, and Northeast regions of the United States and are well documented in California and Georgia. Proven human cases have been reported in California, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, with a suspected case in Missouri.